Systems and methods for sensing and tracing proximity contacts use a magnetic field detection or coupling technology where the detection range between proximate devices may be accurately determined. The detection range may be accurately determined, for example, by generating and detecting a defined magnetic field range and/or by measurement of the received magnetic field strength and direction within an undefined magnetic field range. Proximity sensing devices perform a proximity magnetic field detection when located within a defined, generated magnetic field during a proximity contact interaction with another device that is generating a magnetic field. The magnetic fields generated and detected are generated to behave as quasistatic fields, in contrast to radios that generate and detect radiated, dynamic, electro-magnetic fields.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field range is a defined magnetic field range.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein the defined magnetic field range is at least 6 feet.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein the defined magnetic field range is in the range of 6 to 12 feet.
5. The system of claim 2 wherein the defined magnetic field range corresponds to a transmission range of an infectious disease.
6. The system of claim 1 wherein the proximity sensing devices are configured to estimate a distance between the proximity sensing devices within the magnetic field range.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein a plurality of the proximity sensing devices are wearable devices configured to be worn or carried by individuals, wherein the contact tracing system is configured to store individual identifiers associated with the individuals wearing the proximity sensing devices, and wherein the contact tracing system is configured to identify proximity contact interactions for a selected individual identifier.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the proximity sensing devices is a static proximity sensing device at a fixed location.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a shield around the transducer(s) to attenuate any corresponding quasistatic electric field with minimal impact on the magnetic field.
10. The system of claim 1 wherein each of the proximity sensing devices are configured to transmit the device identifier periodically.
11. The system of claim 1 wherein the proximity contact data includes a time stamp for the proximity magnetic communication.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the proximity contact data includes a duration for the proximity magnetic communication.
13. The system of claim 1 wherein the proximity contact data includes a signal strength for the proximity magnetic communication.
15. The system of claim 14 wherein the at least one of the proximity sensing devices further comprises a shield around the at least one transducer to attenuate any corresponding quasistatic electric field with minimal impact on the magnetic field.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein the at least one transducer is configured to generate the quasistatic magnetic field extending over a defined range corresponding to a transmission range of an infectious disease.
17. The system of claim 14 wherein the at least one transducer is configured to generate the quasistatic magnetic field extending over a range of at least 6 feet.
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May 7, 2021
August 6, 2024
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